FUNGAL NAILS
Hammer toes
Claw toes
Infections
What's the difference between a Chiropodist & a Podiatrist?
Up until 1990 all foot health professionals were called Chiropodists. Then a Podiatry degree was brought in and Chiropodist could study additional qualifications to bring them to the same level as newly qualified Podiatrists.
Latin Chiro (meaning hand) and pod (meaning feet) the term chiropodist was used as the profession used to treat both hands and feet, however, today we focus on foot problems only - hence podiatrist.
Podiatrists can work for the NHS, do surgery under anaesthetic and prescribe medication such as antibiotics. They specialise day to day in treating ailments of the feet or general routine care of skin and nails.
How can podiatry help?
In an average lifetime we walk around 100,000 miles whilst carrying our whole body weight on our feet, so it's important to look after them.
The main role of a podiatrist is to help you maintain normal mobility and function in the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists provide the basis for the ideal walking style and posture and identify any conditions that may require further referral and management.
They also relieve pain, treat infections and skin, nail, soft tissue and connective tissue problems. This is achieved in conjunction with other members of a multi-disciplinary health care team. Podiatrists can also give expert advice on footwear, so it is a good idea to take shoes you wear, or train in, on a regular basis to your appointment.
Your Treatment
On your first visit our podiatrists will take you through a full case history and discuss your needs and goals which you would like to achieve from treatment
A neurovascular assessment will be performed checking circulation and sensory reaction of the lower limbs. This will help to determine the condition of your feet and allow the podiatrist to best advise the course of treatment.
Once the assessment has been carried out and the condition has been identified treatment will then be provided.
during this consultation a treatment plan will be provided and you will be informed of the next steps and how to prevent future problems.
Fungal nails are difficult to treat and require testing for confirmation of fungus which we do not have access to. We are on hand to discuss potential treatment problems and help clarify whether the nail could actually just be thickened or bruised. We have the option of removing the nail with nail surgery and this can be discussed with the podiatrist at your appointment